Pride flag a ‘powerful statement’

The City of Duncan’s decision to display the pride flag throughout the Olympics and Paralympics was a powerful statement to LGBT people both inside and outside of the Cowichan Valley, according to several young people who were in attendance as the flag came down last week.

&quot;It’s important because it shows that [the city] is okay with gay people, and that there’s support for gay people in the community,&quot; said Collen Ott, a member of the Community Options Society Gay Straight Alliance. &quot;It felt like everybody accepted us.&quot;

Duncan raised the flag on Feb. 19 in support of LGBT rights and to protest anti-gay laws in Russia. The flag was provided by Roger Chin and Jim VanDeventer, who sent a letter to city council proposing that Duncan fly the flag.

All members of council were quick to support the proposal.

&quot;When it came up at council, it was a given that we would do it,&quot; Coun. Michelle Staples said after the flag was lowered. &quot;We’re a council that really embraces diversity. It was nice to be sitting at a table where everyone felt this was important for the community.&quot;

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